March 2012 Buffstrap

March 2012 VOL 2 Issue 2

Regimental Commander:Col. David Anders

Regimental Command Sgt. Maj.:

Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Stitzel

Public Affairs Officer:Maj. John Miller

Public Affairs NCOIC:Sgt. 1st Class Adora Gonzalez

Editor:Pfc. Cameron Southhall

The Buff Strap is published by The Old Guard Public Affairs

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When Fred Moore entered the United States Army in 1959, it was an unsettling feeling. It wasn’t be-cause Moore was drafted. It wasn’t because Moore didn’t have a desire to serve his country. It wasn’t even the tension rising in Vietnam. Moore was an African-American Soldier entering the service during the Civil Rights Movement. “I had three older brothers who had been in the service, and the ad-vice they gave me before I left was to keep my mouth shut and don’t volunteer for anything,” Moore said jokingly. But Moore, determined to find his own way, volunteered for ser-vice in the 3d U.S. Infantry Regi-

ment (The Old Guard), a deci-sion which catapulted Moore into history. Moore admits he wasn’t very familiar with The Old Guard, but a series of good scores on the Army entry test, or more so his stature, made Moore a good candidate. “The officer [at the reception station] said you’re 6 foot 1, 185 pounds [and] you’re the right size for what they’re looking for,” recalled Moore. Before Moore could give it a moment’s thought, he agreed to join The Old Guard. “I was in Honor Guard Company assigned to the 3rd platoon,” said Moore. “We performed most of the burials at Arlington National Cemetery. We did parades and different ceremonies in Washington, Fredericksburg and all around Maryland. We were the number one firing team.” Moore acknowledges he was a well known Soldier in the regiment not so much for the notoriety his team was receiving around the region, but for his distinct differences. “I was obvious wherever I went,” said Moore. “I was the only black on a military firing party. The officers would come up and they would tell me we see you [and] you’re doing a good a job.” This statistic would prove to be in Moore’s favor in the form of a visit from President Ken-nedy and a Ghanaian president.

Story By Staff Sgt. Megan Garcia

The Old GuardPublic Affairs Office

3d U.S. Infantry RegimentThe Old Guard Magazine


Courtesy photo SP4 Fred Moore, Tomb Sentinel, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), stands vigilant at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetary, Va. Moore because the first African-American Tomb Sentinel during a time in which the nation was battling the issue of civil rights.

“When [President Kwame] Nkrumah came from Africa and he and Kennedy were laying a wreath at the tomb, he asked Kennedy why he didn’t see anyone of color,” said Moore. Shortly after, Moore was di-rected to report to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for training. Moore distinctively remembers the brotherhood he established right away with his counterparts. Despite being the only African-American there, no one ever treated him dif-ferently. “They all treated me very very fairly,” said Moore.”You can’t make it as an individual; it’s got to be teamwork. You always need somebody to help you put your uni-form on and make sure it’s straight in the back, patting it down for lint and stuff like that.” However, on a crisp autumn morning in March of 1961, as Moore stepped onto the marble floor to perform his first walk as an official Tomb Guard, his broth-ers in arms kept a important secret from him. “I didn’t know at the time that I was breaking the color line. They didn’t tell me that until after, which I think was a good idea,” said Moore. “It was enough pressure just being a Tomb Guard. They thought it was best if I didn’t know until after it happened. Looking back, Moore admits it was never about making history as the first African-American Tomb Sentinel, but fulfilling the mission. “It was a job that I was given, and I just considered it a great honor” said Moore. “I was always of the mindset that if I was given something to do, I was going to do it to the best of my ability.” Today, Moore’s humility re-mains his central point, although

for sentinels who have served after him, he is a celebrity in his own right. “I was really surprised the first time I went back for the Tomb Guard reunion. I couldn’t under-stand what all the fuss was about. They knew me but I didn’t know them,” said Moore, referring to the attention he received from Soldiers currently serving at the Tomb. Moore was shocked to learn what all the commotion was about. “They said you’re an answer to a question on the test of who is the first African-American to serve at the Tomb,” said Moore. Sentinels must take a detailed 100 question test, in addition to other tasks, in order to earn a Tomb Guard badge.

“I think it’s a little much,” laughed Moore. “When young guys talk to me about being the first, I tell them I just took the opportunity that was afforded to me, but you guys are taking it to another level so I am more proud of you all then I am of myself.” Moore’s greatest wish, however, is that Soldiers today not dwell on his monumental accomplishment but find an inner drive in them-selves. “I hope it gives them the con-fidence that they can do anything they set their mind to do,” said Moore. “I’m not anything special. Certainly if I can do certain things, they are capable of doing even greater.”

Courtesy photo SP4 Fred Moore, Tomb Sentinel, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), walks his tour in humble reverence at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Va. Moore became the first African-American Tomb Sentinel in March of 1961. Members of the Old Guard have guarded the Tomb every second, of every day regardless of weather or holidays since April 6, 1948.


“He was my roommate for almost a year here and one of my best friends in the platoon,” said Sgt. Jason Caspers. “He not only taught me a lot about getting the job done, but also doing the job right. As a Soldier, he always pushed and strived to keep tradi-tion and standards.” Caspers, infantryman, Con-tinental Color Guard, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), distinctly remembers the last time he spoke to his best friend, Spc. Ronald Wildrick. “I talked to him the Thurs-day before he was killed,” said Caspers soberly. “I was here at work when I got a random phone number on my phone. It was Ron’s voice on the other end. He was saying no matter how tough it was out there, he was getting the job done.” Wildrick, who served in CCG prior to being assigned to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii late July 2011, was killed in action from wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Kunar Prov-ince, Afghanistan, Dec, 11, 2011.

“He would have made a very good noncommissioned officer because he was a person who led by example. He would figure out the job, how to do it well and then added something to it,” said Caspers. “He always wanted stuff done right. He was al-ways willing to do the work.” Caspers laughed before saying if anyone was doing something wrong, he would be the first one to call it out in a heartbeat. Accomplishing the mis-sion was certainly important to Wildrick, but equally as important was living to the fullest. “He had such a zest for life. Sometimes we called him Wild-man Wildrick because of his personality. If he walked into a room full of people, by the end of the night everyone would know him,” said Spc. Daniel Bono, infantryman, CCG. “Ron didn’t sit still because he was al-ways doing something and going somewhere.” Bono said Wildrick’s enthu-siasm for life stemmed from his strong belief in family. “He would talk about his children, his niece and nephew constantly,” said Bono. “When-ever he had time off he would go see [them] in New Jersey. He

Story By Sgt. Luisito Brooks


Graphic by Staff Sgt. Alexander Croteau

was very family oriented.” Staying true to his philoso-phy, Wildrick’s brothers-in-arms of the Continental Color Guard, will dawn honorary colors dur-ing his funeral at Arlington Na-tional Cemetery, Va., Jan. 13. “Our hearts will be very heavy during the ceremony because this amazing Soldier is no longer with us,” said Caspers, pausing for a moment to collect himself. “I know he would want us to stay strong through this and to remember all the good times.”


Day or night; rain or shine, these men had a mission to com-plete. Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Soldiers, finished photographing and documenting every tombstone, grave marker and cremation site in Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Dec. 23. “We are calling ourselves Task Force Christman, after Pvt. Wil-

liam Christman, who was the first Soldier buried here,” said Maj. Nate Peterson, commander, Delta Company. “The primary purpose of this process is to establish an accountability of all remains in Arlington National Cemetery. The cemetery dates back to 1874 when the cemetery was run by Union Soldiers who just had bad record keeping practices over the years. What we are doing is verifying what’s on record and correcting anything that’s not.” Peterson added the detailed information will be housed in a large electronic database. Over a period of a few months,

the task force dedicated nu-merous hours to cover the more than 259,000 sites spread across 624 developed acres of the cemetery. “Our unit walked over every inch of the cemetery taking pictures of the front and back of every tombstone. We also tagged every site with a GPS locater with its section and grave number,” said Spc. Al Carney, infantryman, Delta Co. It was evident for Carney the importance of the comple-tion of this task. “What we are doing here is for the families of the fallen because it helps pay respect and keeps track of where they lay,” said Carney. Like Carney, the demeanor of every Soldier involved in the

documentation process was very focused and solemn. “This mission is taken very se-riously by the Army,” said Peter-son. “How we conduct ourselves as professionals in the military is the same attitude we carry here taking pictures.” With the process now over, Peterson said he is proud to have honored our nation’s heroes in such an exceptional way. “This is an unprecedented mission because it has never been done before and it probably will never be done again,” said Peterson. “What we are doing is paying tribute to our fallen com-rades.”

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Luisito Brooks Pfc. Brent Benbow, infantryman, Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), kneels close to photograph the front and rear of a tombstone in Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Dec. 15. Benbow is a part of Task Force Christman, after Pvt. William Christman, who was the first Soldier buried in the cemetery. Task Force Christman’s mission is to photograph and document every tombstone, grave marker and cremation site in the cemetery. The detailed information will go into a large electronic database.




Staff Sgts. Andrew and Tim Payne, the youngest of four boys from Buffalo, N.Y., have always been close, and a horrible circum-stance brought them even closer. “It was a normal 4th of July weekend for me. I was about to head over to my dad’s house for the holiday when he called me,” said Andrew, infantryman, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. In-fantry Regiment (The Old Guard). “My dad said Tim stepped on an IED, lost both his legs, but was alive in a medical facility getting

treatment.” Andrew said for the next week his thought process was shot and in disarray. “I really could not focus on anything,” said Andrew. “My older brother, who I looked up to, was hurt and there was nothing I could do until he got stateside.” Once Tim was transported to the United States, Andrew rushed to his side. “My wife and I were one of the first to see my brother at Walter Reed when he arrived,” said An-drew. “While he was laying there sleeping, I stood in disbelief of what happened to my big brother.” As Tim slept, Andrew said he would whisper in Tim’s ear that he was safe and loved.

“I have been [there for] my brother my whole life,” said An-drew. “There was no way I was go-ing to leave him because he would do the same for me.” Tim, worn out and exhausted, woke up from a heavy sedation after three weeks of being in the hospital. “It was like he was my angel standing there,” said Tim. “He was the first person I saw and I was glad to see him.” Through high school, the two were almost inseparable until Tim decided to join the Army. “Joining the Army was the best thing for me,” said Tim. “It gave me a chance to travel and see the world.” Andrew, the younger of the two, said he always admired Tim’s dedi-cation to serve his country. “I can honestly credit my brother for my decision to join the Army,” said Andrew. “He believed that I could do great things in the Army and he was right.” Smiling, Andrew added he was his brother’s first recruit. Throughout their Army careers, their individual jobs took them dif-ferent places; never knowing Tim’s injury would bring them together again. Tim has since been reassigned from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, to the Warrior Transition Team in Bethes-da, Md. and continues to make a strong recovery from his extensive injuries with Andrew by his side every step of the way.

Courtesy photoStaff Sgt. Andrew Payne (left), infantryman, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Staff Sgt. Tim Payne (center), infantryman, and Elisa Payne (right), Tim’s wife, gather in a foyer at the Walter Reed National Military Center in Bethesda, Md. After Tim suffered a tragic injury in Afghanistan, Andrew was the first to be by his brother’s side.




Their objectives are set and their ambitions are thriving for The Old Guard competitors of this year’s Best Ranger Competi-tion; this time it’s all or nothing. “Last year, our goals were to finish and hopefully have a good placement,” said Staff Sgt. Sean McAlpine, infantryman, Delta Company, 3d U.S. Infantry Regi-ment (The Old Guard). “This year, a placement is just not going to be able to satisfy us now. We want to win.” The team will make its fourth appearance at the competition, April 13-16, in Fort Benning, Ga. Despite the grueling physical and mental requirements of the com-petition, McAlpine and his team-mates are confident they are doing everything they can to prepare. “This is largely the focus of what we’re coming to work to do,” said Cpt. Eric Hanft, Delta Company platoon leader. “Six days a week, it’s all programmed out. This unit has a very deliber-ate approach to make the team successful.” Agreeing with Hanft, McAl-pine said the team began assess-ments and training preparation in October 2011. “We’ve been doing strength

workouts in the gym. We’ve done bench, pull ups, push-ups, squats, dead lifts, dips. You name it, we’ve been doing it,” said McAl-pine. Outside of the gym, the team runs extensively; running any-where from four to 10 miles a day. Although strenuous to some, McAlpine sees this process as a mere stepping stone to the finish line. “ This is an endurance compe-tition for 60 hours straight, so in order to meet the requirements of being able to complete a 60 hour competition that’s not only physi-cally but mentally challenging,

U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Megan Garcia Cpt. Erik Edstrom, executive officer, Honor Guard Company, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), inserts an intravenous catheter into the arm of Staff Sgt. Sean McAlpine, infantryman, Delta Company, during medical training, Jan. 12, at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, in preparation for the Best Ranger Competition. The Best Ranger Competition, a 3-day event consisting of physical and mental tasks undertaken with very little rest, takes place, April 13-16, in Fort Benning, Ga.

you have to challenge your body during the train-up and almost surpass what the competition is going to be,” said McAlpine. McAlpine knows his team must focus on more than just the physical aspects of the competi-tion and remains optimistic of what’s in store. “When it comes down to it, it’s a big guessing game what they’re going to be putting into it,” said McAlpine. “We learned a lot from our mistakes we made last year. It’s just better to be pro-ficient at everything.”

Story By Staff Sgt. Megan Garcia



A stadium of more than 45,000 football fans applauding different military branches on the field went still as one small group of Soldiers displayed precise marching and crisp rifle drills using bayonet-tipped 1903 Springfield rifles. The U.S. Army Drill Team, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), showcased their skills dur-ing the National Football League

Pro Bowl halftime show, Jan. 29, at Aloha Stadium, Hawaii. Sgt. Julio Ortiz, a drill team member since October 2008, has experienced performing many events, but rates the halftime show as one of the best. “At first it was quite nerve rack-ing, but I just began to enjoy the opportunity to showcase the Army to all the fans at the Pro Bowl,” said Ortiz. “I have performed around 200 different events, but this experience is at the top of my list.” Ortiz hopes that trips like this

will encourage other Soldiers to step up to the challenge of becom-ing a part of the drill team. “Yeah, we performed in front of a stadium full of people in Hawaii, but we also maintained our com-poser because of the pride we have in ourselves and the Army,” said Ortiz. “I won’t be able to go on these trips forever, so I am encour-aging those who want to experi-ence the best of the Army to give drilling a try.” Ortiz shared he wasn’t an expe-rienced driller prior to the Army. He didn’t learn how to drill in high

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Luisito BrooksThe U.S. Army Drill Team, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), prepares to walk onto the field, Jan. 28, during pratice for the 2012 National Football League Pro-Bowl at Aloha Stadium, Hawaii. The drill team concentrates on precise marching and crisp rifle drills throughthe use of bayonet-tipped 1903 Springfield rifles.




school or college, but was willing to learn and give it a try. “I didn’t even know the Army had a drill team,” said Ortiz. “It wasn’t until I arrived at The Old Guard when I realized that there was this team that did this sort of thing.” He added he was blown away when he saw a group of drillers practicing one day in a parking lot on post. “They were so smooth and crisp that I had to try out. It wasn’t easy to make the team, but the next thing I know I was traveling with them for a mission,” said Ortiz. “My time at The Old Guard has re-ally flown by since then.” Ortiz went on to explain this would be his last great performance with the drill team before his reas-signment to Fort Stewart, Ga. in the spring. “I think I have the best job in the Army, and it is performing at events such as this that make it all worth it. I am got paid to come to Hawaii and do something kind of special. I report to my new unit in May, but this event was a good way to finish my time here on the team,” Ortiz said soberly. “We ef-

fect so many people by what we do out there.” This dedicated team leaves a lasting impression where ever they go, but Ortiz says none of it would be possible without the support of family. “My family fully supported me joining the Army and they were more excited when they found out that I was on the Army Drill Team. They said that they have even seen me on TV,” said Ortiz. “Now that I am leaving [the drill team], it is definitely a sweet sorrow mostly because of all the memories from

all over the world.” Spc. Alejandro Canto, a new member on the drill team, is glad he has taken the opportunity Or-tiz speaks so highly of. Perform-ing during the show wasn’t only Canto’s mission but also a dream come true. “I love playing sports in high school, especially football. I under-stand the game and know what it means for players to earn the right to play in the Pro Bowl. I have watched the Pro Bowl my whole life and now to be part of it was amazing,” said Canto. “This was only my second time performing with the team. The first time we were in London and now we are here. I am just enjoying all these great experiences.” Canto added the feeling he had being out on the field with his team is a memory that he will never forget. “We practice eight hours a day together and to share in the success of the event was great, but noth-ing prepared me for the amount of energy that was in the stadium,” Canto said grippingly. “You could hear the whole stadium yelling ‘USA!’”

Courtesy photo The U.S. Army Drill Team, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), performs an overhead rifel toss during the National Football League Pro-Bowl, Jan.29, at the Aloha Stadium, Hawaii. The drill team participated in the salute to service members half-time show to honor service members past and present.

Courtesy photo The U.S. Army Drill Team, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), take centerfield during the “Salute to Service” halftime show, Jan. 29, during the 2012 National Football League Pro-Bowl at Aloha Stadium, Hawaii.


U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Jose A. Torres Jr.The Presidential Salute Battery, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), fires a 19-round salute in honor of His Excellency, Vice President, Xi Jinping, Peoples Republic of China, at the Pentagon River entrance, Feb. 14, 2012. The battery is responsible for rendering honors to visiting foreign dignitaries and heads of state at the White House, the Pentagon and elsewhere in the Washington D.C. area.

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Jose A. Torres Jr. Members of the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps stand at attention during an Armed Forces Full Honor Arrival in honor of His Excellency Xi Jinping, Vice-President, People’s Republic of China, at the Pentagon River Entrance, Feb. 14, 2012. The Fife and Drum Corps, formed in 1960, is part of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and is the only unit of its kind in the United States military.

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Jose A. Torres Jr. His Excellency, Xi Jinping, Vice President, People Republic of China and Secretary Leon Penetta, the 23rd Secretary of Defense, exit through the Pentagon’s River entrance, Feb. 14, 2012.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Devin Kornaus Spc. Todd Alexander, Delta Company, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), fires a round at the 200 meter target during M-4 qualification range at Fort A.P. Hill, Va., Jan. 18, 2012. Old Guard Soldiers are qualifying on their assigned weapons as part of the Expert Infantryman Badge test.

Spc. Mathew D. Brisiel, Tomb Sentinel, Tomb of the Unknowns, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), places a rose at one of the crypts of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Jan. 27, 2012. The placing of a rose signifies a departure from the Tomb and the love Sentinels have for their job and the unknowns.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Devin Kornaus


U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Jose A. Torres Jr.Col. David P. Anders, Commander, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), stands in front of a Armed Forces Honor Guard during the arrival ceremony for the Vice President of China, Xi Jinping, at the Pentagon River entrance, Feb. 14, 2012. The 3d U.S Infantry Regiment, traditionally known as “The Old Guard,” is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army, serving our nation since 1784.

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Jose A. Torres Jr.Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, Commanding General, Military District of Washington, and Park Ranger Leonard Lee, salute during the playing of taps during a Special Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath Ceremony held at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C., Feb. 12, 2012. The ceremony was held in honor of President Lincoln on what would have been his 203rd birthday.

The 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), conducts a special general officer retirement for Army General Peter W. Chiarelli, 32nd Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, on Summerall Field, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Jan. 31, 2012. The Old Guard is the Army’s official ceremonial unit and escort to the president, and also provides security for Washington D.C., in time of national emergency or civil disturbance.

Cassion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), transports the remains of retired Army Maj. Gen. Richard M. Lee at Arlington National Cemetery, Va. Feb. 27, 2012. Lee served for 32 years, which included service in World War II and Vietnam. He served in many key positions throughout his career, one of which was as the Commander of the “The Old Guard”.

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Jose A. Torres Jr.

Courtesy photo

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Jose A. Torres Jr. Staff Sgt. James Wilks, Spc. Curtis Sandifer and Spc. Jesse Wilkins, stand at attention before the start of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Guard Identification Badge Ceremony at the chapel in the Memorial Amphitheater, Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Feb. 21, 2012.


March 2012 Buffstrap

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